Hanbury Gardens: Listening to the Bird Sound Archive

The Hanbury Gardens , on the promontory of Capo Mortola in the Ventimiglia area, just a few kilometers from the French border, are a unique place for the emotion they offer, combining, in a single sensory experience, the variety and beauty of the plants found there with the melodic sounds of thousands of birds . The location is extraordinary, the climate mild and Mediterranean, and thanks to the work of several experts, it has been possible to create a veritable encyclopedic archive of the various bird sounds present in the area. All the plants are also listed and included in the Hortus Mortolensis , a comprehensive catalogue describing their characteristics and, above all, their provenance.

Origins

The creation of one of the world's most beautiful botanical gardens in the heart of Liguria is due to Thomas Hanbury, a wealthy English businessman and philanthropist. In 1867, while vacationing on the French Riviera, he purchased the Ornego family's villa in Roccasterone on Capo Mortola. Here, with his brother Daniele, an expert botanist, he brought plants from all over the world, creating a magical space. In 1960, the Hanbury Gardens were purchased by the Italian State, and in 1983, their management was entrusted to the University of Genoa.

Get inspired

The entire Hanbury Gardens, approximately 19 hectares, is easily navigable (the maximum elevation difference is no more than 100 meters), and blooms are expected year-round, both summer and winter. The landscape is English-style, with irregular paths, pergolas, and patios, and an area of ​​the park is crossed by the ancient Roman road, Via Julia Augusta. The Hanbury Gardens, long considered among the ten most beautiful in Italy, are home to 3.500 varieties of plants (ornamental, medicinal, and fruit-bearing), many of which are exotic, originating from around the world and well-adapted here thanks to the area's unique microclimate.

Plant species and bird sounds

Of particular interest are some agaves (the Gardens contain 114 species), eucalyptus, ginkgo biloba, yucca, and passionflower. Blooms are expected throughout the year, and the Hanbury Gardens website ( www.giardinihanbury.com ) lists the blooms expected for each season.

While you're almost stunned by the scent of the flowers and glimpses of the Ligurian Sea in the background, the chirping of birds arrives, another rarity preserved in this treasure trove of pure nature. The sound of the birds was recorded from dawn to dusk, catalogued and archived by composer Antonino Russo and ornithologist Field Recordist: the result is an extraordinary compendium of the bird sounds you can hear. These include the blackbird, the robin, the chaffinch, the turtle dove, the wood pigeon, and the Mediterranean tree frog. During the summer months, from June to September, on weekends, you can take a canoe trip with snorkeling , departing directly from the Gardens and diving, accompanied by an instructor, into the depths of the Capo Mortola Marine Protected Area.

Information

For all information on the Hanbury Gardens, please visit the website:

• www.giardinihanbury.com

 For canoe trips, we recommend you write to:

• [email protected]

How to get there

There are three ways to easily reach the Hanbury Gardens.

• By car: The Hanbury Gardens are located about 4 kilometers from the center of Ventimiglia. From Ventimiglia, take the SS1 (Strada Statale 1) towards Bordighera, then follow the signs for the Hanbury Gardens. Parking is available near the garden entrance.
• On the train: Ventimiglia train station is well connected to major Italian and French cities. From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to the gardens. Alternatively, you can also walk, but the walk could take about 45 minutes.
• By bus: There are also local buses connecting Ventimiglia to the Hanbury Gardens, but check the timetables and stops with the local public transport service.

Where to sleep

The most comfortable accommodations, ranging from hotels to campsites, are undoubtedly in the Ventimiglia area. Here you'll find complete information for every type of accommodation.

Where to eat

Inside the Hanbury Gardens there is a café for a light lunch, coffee, ice cream, or snack.

The restaurants, however, are located in Ventimiglia and among these we recommend:

• La Piazzetta restaurantLocated in the center of Ventimiglia, it offers Ligurian cuisine, with an excellent selection of fish and traditional dishes.
• The Frog Garden RestaurantThis restaurant is also located near the Hanbury Gardens and is known for its local and Mediterranean cuisine.

Photo credits: GBH Archive – photo by Daniela Guglielmi

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